how much time for AM med pass?

achot chavi · Jan 8, 2009

I know that there is a lot of prejudice against med techs. I am one and my understanding is that we work in LTC, never hospitals, where meds change frequently and the patients are more acute and changeable. My med error rate is below some of the nurses. I do a better job than most nurses--leave my cart ready for the next person, make sure expiring meds are ordered in a timely fashion, and often recognize problems before they do, etc. I have caught many errors made by both med aides and nurses. The only people I have ever seen preset meds are RNs. Most nurses in LTC think that it is beneath them to pass meds and love having a med aide. We work closely together--I frequently help them with treatments and procedures (within my scope of practice, of course), and I bring any questions to them immediately. After doing this for several years, I do have quite a bit of knowledge. Also, overall, I have more general education than most nurses. I am a smart, dedicated and valued member of the team.

GOOD FOR YOU:yeah:

You must be so proud of yourself.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jan 9, 2009

I'm not sure what RCFE is but for sure it's NOT allowed in Massachusetts!

makes needs known · Jan 9, 2009

What is RCFE?

retread71 · Jan 9, 2009

residential care facilities for the elderly

title 22 california

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2009

residential care facilities for the elderly
title 22 california

So this is more of an assisted living or personal care facility? I'm not sure of any of those regs.

In LTC or Skilled nursing...it isn't permitted and I think that is for all states.

Any way...the OPs work load is totally doable. Why does a nurse need to put on teds? Can't the CNAs do it and then you check that they are on? 14 meds and a few FS checks....probably about an hr. I have up to 26 residents with a few tube feeders and difficult dementia pts and it takes about 2 hrs or so for an organized am med pass.

achot chavi · Jan 10, 2009

There is no contest, whats important is to do it right, While I can do med pass for 44 pts including hanging some IV's, tubefeeds, blood sugars, almost alll difficult dementia/alzheimers pts in two hours, doesn't mean we all can and do.

One tip- when giving pills to an alzheimers pt- I go close to them, flash them my brightest smile and distract them with some song while i feed them the applesauce or jello with the crushed pills- goes real fast that way. Or you can put it in a sandwich with jelly.

lil' girl, LPN · Jan 14, 2009

I've never heard that pre pulling meds is allowed ANYWHERE! As one of the other posters said its not the speed with which you perform, it is that you do not make mistakes. You are however lucky to have just 14 patients!

lpnflorida, LPN · Jan 14, 2009

There is no contest, whats important is to do it right, While I can do med pass for 44 pts including hanging some IV's, tubefeeds, blood sugars, almost alll difficult dementia/alzheimers pts in two hours, doesn't mean we all can and do.
One tip- when giving pills to an alzheimers pt- I go close to them, flash them my brightest smile and distract them with some song while i feed them the applesauce or jello with the crushed pills- goes real fast that way. Or you can put it in a sandwich with jelly.

I agree with the distraction part. Yes putting them in pudding or applesauce or a sandwich can be done as long as they are told their medications are in it. It is against patient's right to not be told they are receiving their medications.

achot chavi · Jan 14, 2009

I agree with the distraction part. Yes putting them in pudding or applesauce or a sandwich can be done as long as they are told their medications are in it. It is against patient's right to not be told they are receiving their medications.

I was referring to the severely disoriented and confused Alzheimers patients, I can tell 'em, but it wont make a difference. As long as I say it with a wide smile, they will take whatever igive 'em. Sad, but true.

emt2rn82 · Jan 16, 2009

I just started in LTC this week. I came from Cardiac Surgical Critical Care Unit, where I am used to having 1-2 patients. I had my first med-pass yesterday with 21 residents, I tried to prioritize my med pass with the people who have appointments in the morning, and who I thought based on the kardex card would be the quickest to dispense to, I am just wondering it took me approximately 2 and a half hours to pass the am meds. guess my concern is that am I prioritizing my med pass correctly, and any hints that I can get the medications passed with out being technically late on 3 residents. Will this get easier as I become more custom to the residents and med-pass routine. Thanks

achot chavi · Jan 16, 2009

Of Course it gets easier!!!

Good Job on your first med pass,Good luck on your new job!!!

morte, LPN, LVN · Jan 16, 2009

I just started in LTC this week. I came from Cardiac Surgical Critical Care Unit, where I am used to having 1-2 patients. I had my first med-pass yesterday with 21 residents, I tried to prioritize my med pass with the people who have appointments in the morning, and who I thought based on the kardex card would be the quickest to dispense to, I am just wondering it took me approximately 2 and a half hours to pass the am meds. guess my concern is that am I prioritizing my med pass correctly, and any hints that I can get the medications passed with out being technically late on 3 residents. Will this get easier as I become more custom to the residents and med-pass routine. Thanks

what is done in some places, is that one side of the hall is sched. at 8am and the other side at 9am, so that when you get to the second side you have the additional hour......this doesnt work so well in sub acute or rehab....do to the different sched. of therapies